The American Red Cross has two words of advice for potential blood donors: Be patient.

The need for blood remains at the critical level. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of 9,000 blood drives that were scheduled for businesses, colleges and high schools nationwide. That translates to 250,000 fewer donations.

“We’re working around the clock to add drives, to increase our capacity to give our donors additional opportunities and locations to donate,’’ said Todd Kulman, communications manager for the American Red Cross in Michigan.

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The best way to make an appointment is at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

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“We certainly want our donors to not get frustrated. We understand that they may be because they’re finding more drives, they’re trying to schedule appointments and the drives are all booked up,’’ Kulman said on Thursday. “If they can’t schedule a drive this week try to schedule next week. If they can’t schedule next week then shoot for the next two or three weeks or even next month.’’

Making up 250,000 blood donations will not happen in a matter of days.

“The need will always be there. It will be there next week, next month for sure. We’re just asking folks to be patient while we work to add additional opportunities for them,’’ Kulman said.

The Red Cross strongly urges donors to make appointments instead of trying to walk in.

“An appointment just makes things flow more smoothly. ... It avoids backups, long wait times,’’ Kulman said. “We will not turn away someone who walks in if there are available spots. But we’re finding the drives we are hosting right now are very well attended.’’

Two of the main donation centers in Oakland County are in Bloomfield Hills and Farmington Hills. But drives are being held at local churches and businesses too. When making online appointments, a donor will be given options in the range of their zip code.

Extra precautions are being taken to ensure donors are safe.

While there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion, out of caution donors are asked to wait for 28 days following travel to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Also wait 28 days after COVID-19 diagnosis or contact with a person who has the virus or is suspected to have it.

Along with the Red Cross drives, Henry Ford and Health Alliance Plan are hosting upcoming blood drives in partnership with Versiti Blood Bank of Michigan.

Registration at HenryFord.com is required for the drives. The first is 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on March 31 at the Health Alliance Plan’s corporate offices, 1414 E. Maple Road in Troy. On April 1 the drive will be held noon-5 p.m. at Henry Ford’s corporate offices, One Ford Place, Detroit.